Wella Color Touch is one of the most versatile demi-permanent colour systems available to professional salons. Used for toning, glossing, grey blending, root shadowing, and colour refreshing, it sits at the heart of colour services in thousands of UK salons. This guide covers everything professional colourists need to know — shade series, developer ratios, sub-ranges, application techniques, and toning formulas.
What Is Wella Color Touch?
Wella Color Touch is a professional demi-permanent hair colour system. Unlike permanent colour, it deposits tone and shine without lifting the natural hair base. It fades gradually and naturally, making it ideal for clients who want beautiful colour without the long-term commitment or regrowth line of a permanent tint.
Key characteristics:
- Demi-permanent — deposits tone, does not lift
- Low ammonia formula (significantly lower than permanent colour)
- High shine finish due to Pure Balance Technology
- Fades gradually and naturally over 4–6 weeks
- Can be applied to wet or dry hair depending on the service
- Mixed with Color Touch Emulsion (not standard peroxide)
The Color Touch Sub-Ranges
Color Touch is a family of products, each designed for a specific service type. Understanding the sub-ranges is essential for building the right salon stock.
Color Touch (Original Range)
The core demi-permanent colour range. Used for toning, refreshing, root shadowing, and grey blending. Available in a comprehensive shade range from depth 2 through to 10. The standard choice for most toning and refresh services.
Color Touch Relights
Specifically formulated for use on mid-lengths and ends. Relights contains no alkaline agents, making it ideal for refreshing faded colour on lengths without affecting new growth or the scalp area. Available in /Blue (for brunettes and copper tones) and /Red (for red and warm tones). Mixed at a 1:2 ratio with Color Touch Emulsion.
Color Touch Sunlights
Designed for use on pre-lightened hair and for brightening natural blondes. Sunlights are high-lift toners that work on already-lightened hair to create cool, icy, or warm blonde finishes. Available in shades /0 (natural), /1 (ash), /6 (violet), and /8 (pearl).
Color Touch Plus
An enhanced grey coverage version of Color Touch. Designed for clients with up to 60% grey, Color Touch Plus offers more pigment density for a richer, longer-lasting result on resistant grey — while still fading naturally like standard Color Touch.
Developer Guide: Color Touch Emulsion
Color Touch must be mixed with its own dedicated Color Touch Emulsion — not standard hydrogen peroxide.
| Emulsion | Equivalent | Mixing Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9% Emulsion | ~6 vol | 1:2 (colour:emulsion) | Blonde toning, gentle deposit, glossing, wet hair application |
| 4% Emulsion | ~13 vol | 1:2 (colour:emulsion) | Richer deposit, deeper refresh, grey blending, Color Touch Plus |
Standard mixing ratio: 1 part Color Touch to 2 parts Emulsion by weight (e.g. 30g colour + 60g emulsion).
Processing time: 20 minutes at room temperature. For Color Touch Plus or resistant grey, extend to 25–30 minutes.
Wet vs dry application: Apply to damp towel-dried hair for softer, more diffused results (ideal for toning highlights and glossing). Apply to dry hair for stronger, more saturated colour deposit (ideal for root shadow and grey blending).
The Color Touch Shade Series
Color Touch uses Wella's standard colour notation — a depth number followed by a reflect number. Understanding the reflect series allows colourists to choose the right shade for neutralisation, enhancement, or fashion results.
| Reflect | Code | Description | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural | /0 | Pure natural, no added reflect | Foundation, grey blending, mixing base |
| Ash | /1 | Cool, grey-neutralising | Neutralising yellow, cool brunettes, ashy blondes |
| Violet | /6 | Purple-based | Neutralising yellow-gold, cool blonde toning |
| Deep Brown | /7 | Warm brown | Brunette depth, warm naturals |
| Pearl | /8 | Iridescent beige-pink | Beige blonde, soft cool finishes |
| Pearl Ash | /81 | Beige-ash blend | Most popular blonde toner, cool beige finish |
| Pearl Violet | /86 | Cool beige-violet | Icy blonde, cool beige on warmer bases |
| Rich Brown | /75 | Violet-mahogany | Deep brunettes, plum tones |
| Copper | /4 | Warm copper | Copper, auburn tones |
| Warm Brown | /73 | Golden brown | Warm naturals, chestnut |
Full Wella Color Touch shade chart
Every Color Touch shade we stock, listed light to dark. Read each code as depth/reflect — so 10/81 is the lightest blonde with a pearl primary and ash secondary tone. Browse the ranges: Color Touch, Color Touch Plus and Special Mix.
Standard shades
| Shade | Result |
|---|---|
| 10/0 | Lightest Blonde |
| 10/6 | Lightest Violet Blonde |
| 10/81 | Lightest Pearl Ash Blonde |
| 9/01 | Very Light Natural Ash Blonde |
| 9/03 | Very Light Natural Gold Blonde |
| 9/16 | Very Light Ash Violet Blonde |
| 9/36 | Very Light Gold Violet Blonde |
| 9/73 | Very Light Brunette Gold Blonde |
| 9/86 | Very Light Pearl Violet Blonde |
| 9/96 | Very Light Cendré Violet Blonde |
| 9/97 | Very Light Cendré Brunette Blonde |
| 8/0 | Light Blonde |
| 8/05 | Light Natural Mahogany Blonde |
| 8/38 | Light Gold Pearl Blonde |
| 8/43 | Light Red Gold Blonde |
| 8/71 | Light Brunette Ash Blonde |
| 8/73 | Light Brunette Gold Blonde |
| 8/81 | Light Pearl Ash Blonde |
| 7/0 | Medium Blonde |
| 7/03 | Medium Natural Gold Blonde |
| 7/1 | Medium Ash Blonde |
| 7/3 | Medium Gold Blonde |
| 7/4 | Medium Red Blonde |
| 7/43 | Medium Red Gold Blonde |
| 7/47 | Medium Red Brunette Blonde |
| 7/7 | Medium Brunette Blonde |
| 7/73 | Medium Brunette Gold Blonde |
| 7/75 | Medium Brunette Mahogany Blonde |
| 7/86 | Medium Pearl Violet Blonde |
| 7/89 | Medium Pearl Cendré Blonde |
| 7/97 | Medium Cendré Brunette Blonde |
| 6/0 | Dark Blonde |
| 6/3 | Dark Gold Blonde |
| 6/35 | Dark Gold Mahogany Blonde |
| 6/37 | Dark Gold Brunette Blonde |
| 6/4 | Dark Red Blonde |
| 6/47 | Dark Red Brunette Blonde |
| 6/7 | Dark Brunette Blonde |
| 6/71 | Dark Brunette Ash Blonde |
| 6/73 | Dark Brunette Gold Blonde |
| 6/75 | Dark Brunette Mahogany Blonde |
| 5/0 | Light Brown |
| 5/1 | Light Ash Brown |
| 5/3 | Light Gold Brown |
| 5/37 | Light Gold Brunette Brown |
| 5/4 | Light Red Brown |
| 5/5 | Light Mahogany Brown |
| 5/66 | Light Intense Violet Brown |
| 5/73 | Light Brunette Gold Brown |
| 5/75 | Light Brunette Mahogany Brown |
| 5/97 | Light Cendré Brunette Brown |
| 4/0 | Medium Brown |
| 4/6 | Medium Violet Brown |
| 4/57 | Medium Mahogany Brunette Brown |
| 4/71 | Medium Brunette Ash Brown |
| 3/0 | Dark Brown |
| 3/66 | Dark Intense Violet Brown |
| 2/0 | Black |
| 2/8 | Black Pearl |
Intense shades (Vibrant Reds)
Double-number shades give a more intensive, longer-lasting red or mahogany reflect.
| Shade | Result |
|---|---|
| 77/45 | Intense Medium Red Mahogany Blonde |
| 66/44 | Intense Dark Red Blonde |
| 66/45 | Intense Dark Red Mahogany Blonde |
| 55/54 | Intense Light Mahogany Red Brown |
| 55/65 | Intense Light Violet Mahogany Brown |
| 44/65 | Intense Medium Violet Mahogany Brown |
Color Touch Plus (enhanced grey blending)
Higher pigment density for richer, longer-lasting results on up to 60% grey.
| Shade | Result |
|---|---|
| 88/07 | Intense Light Natural Brunette Blonde |
| 77/07 | Intense Medium Natural Brunette Blonde |
| 66/07 | Intense Dark Natural Brunette Blonde |
| 55/07 | Intense Light Natural Brunette Brown |
| 55/04 | Intense Light Natural Red Brown |
| 44/07 | Intense Medium Natural Brunette Brown |
Special Mix (0/ mixing tones)
Added to a base shade to intensify or neutralise a reflect, rather than used on their own.
| Shade | Result |
|---|---|
| 0/34 | Gold Red |
| 0/45 | Red |
| 0/56 | Purple Fire |
| 0/68 | Violet Pearl |
| 0/88 | Intense Blue |
Toning Formulas for Blonde Hair
Toning after lightening is one of the most common uses of Color Touch in salon. The shade you choose depends on the level of lift achieved and the underlying warm tones present.
Neutralising yellow (level 9–10 lift): 10/81 is the go-to — a pearl ash that creates a classic cool beige blonde. For a slightly icier finish, mix 10/6 + 10/81. For more violet depth, use 9/86.
Neutralising gold/yellow-orange (level 8 lift): 9/16 (ash-violet mix) works well to balance warmth. Alternatively, 8/81 for a cool pearl on a level 8 base.
Neutralising orange (level 7 lift): 8/1 strong ash pushes back warmth on darker blonde bases. 7/89 pearl violet gives a cooler result on a level 7.
Warm/natural blonde finishes: 9/03 or 10/03 for natural golden results that enhance warm blonde. 9/36 for sun-kissed golden warmth.
Beige blonde: 10/81 remains the most widely used beige-pearl toner in UK salons. 9/86 gives a deeper beige with more violet base for slightly warmer starting points.
Icy/platinum: 10/6 direct violet for very pale bases. Color Touch Sunlights /1 or /6 on pre-lightened hair at level 10+.
Grey Blending with Color Touch
Color Touch is not designed for full grey coverage — that is the role of Color Touch Plus or a permanent colour like Koleston Perfect. However, it is excellent for grey blending on clients with up to 30–40% grey who want a softer, lower-maintenance result with no harsh regrowth line.
For grey blending, use Color Touch with 4% Emulsion on dry hair. Choose a shade one level lighter than the client's natural base to allow grey to soften into the overall result rather than standing out. Process for 25 minutes. For clients with up to 60% grey, switch to Color Touch Plus with 4% Emulsion on dry hair and process for 30 minutes.
Color Touch for Root Shadowing
Root shadowing creates a natural, blended regrowth effect — and Color Touch is ideal for this because its gradual fade produces a soft, grown-out look. Choose a shade 2–3 levels darker than the client's blonde, apply to the root area (2–4cm depending on the desired effect), and blend the edges down with a brush or fingers before processing. Use 1.9% Emulsion for a softer result or 4% for more definition.
Popular root shadow formulas: 7/97 or 6/73 on blonde clients. 5/0 + 5/3 for a warm brunette shadow on lighter brunettes.
Color Touch vs Shinefinity vs INOA
| Color Touch | Shinefinity | INOA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Demi-permanent | Zero-lift gloss | Permanent (ammonia-free) |
| Ammonia | Trace | Zero | Zero |
| Grey Coverage | Up to 60% (Plus) | None | 100% |
| Lift | None | None | Up to 3 levels |
| Best For | Toning, refresh, grey blend | Pure gloss, shine boost | Permanent colour, grey coverage |
| Processing | 20–30 mins | 10 mins | 30–35 mins |
| Fade | Gradual, natural | Fast | Permanent |
Color Touch sits between Shinefinity (pure gloss, no coverage) and INOA (full permanent coverage). For most salons, all three earn their place in the colour workflow.
Stock Planning for Color Touch
The most important shades to keep in regular supply are the core toners and natural shades that cover the majority of appointments. High-volume shades to prioritise: 10/81 (the most-used blonde toner in UK salons), 9/86, 8/1, 7/0, 6/0, 5/0, 9/16, and 10/6. Always stock both 1.9% and 4% Emulsion in 1-litre bottles — running out of emulsion stops all Color Touch services. For grey blending, keep Color Touch Plus naturals and ash series (5/0, 6/0, 7/0, 6/1, 7/1) in regular supply.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wella Color Touch?
Color Touch is Wella's professional demi-permanent hair colour. It deposits tone and shine without lifting the natural base, contains only low ammonia, and fades gradually with no harsh regrowth line. It's mixed with Color Touch Emulsion rather than standard peroxide.
Is Color Touch permanent?
No — Color Touch is demi-permanent. It deposits tone without lifting and fades gradually and naturally over around 4 to 6 weeks, with no hard regrowth line.
What is the Color Touch mixing ratio?
1:2 — one part Color Touch to two parts Color Touch Emulsion by weight (for example 30g colour to 60g emulsion).
What developer do you use with Color Touch?
Its own Color Touch Emulsion, not standard hydrogen peroxide. Use 1.9% (around 6 vol) for blonde toning, glossing and gentle deposit, and 4% (around 13 vol) for richer deposit, grey blending and Color Touch Plus.
How long does Color Touch take to process?
Around 20 minutes at room temperature. For Color Touch Plus or resistant grey, extend to 25 to 30 minutes.
Does Color Touch cover grey?
Color Touch blends grey rather than fully covering it — it's ideal for clients with up to around 30 to 40% grey. For up to 60% grey use Color Touch Plus, and for full coverage use a permanent colour such as Koleston Perfect.
What is Color Touch Plus?
Color Touch Plus is an enhanced grey-blending version with higher pigment density, giving richer, longer-lasting results on up to 60% grey while still fading naturally like standard Color Touch.
Can you apply Color Touch to wet hair?
Yes. Apply to damp, towel-dried hair for softer, more diffused results (ideal for toning and glossing), or to dry hair for stronger, more saturated deposit (ideal for root shadow and grey blending).
What is the best Color Touch toner for blonde hair?
10/81, a pearl ash, is the most widely used cool beige blonde toner in UK salons. For an icier finish mix 10/6 with 10/81, and for a deeper beige use 9/86.
What is the difference between Color Touch and Shinefinity?
Color Touch is a demi-permanent that tones, refreshes and blends grey; Shinefinity is a zero-lift gloss for pure shine and toning with no grey coverage.
Hairco & Beauty supplies the full Wella Color Touch range — including Color Touch, Color Touch Plus, Relights, Sunlights, and all Emulsion strengths — available exclusively to trade accounts. Contact our trade team for bulk pricing, account opening, and next-day delivery.
Written by Charlotte Read, Content Writer at Hairco & Beauty. Charlotte has over six years' experience in professional hair and beauty, and our guides are informed by colleagues with 100+ years of combined salon experience and by insight from the trade customers we supply. More about our content.
